The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Ghent
Cheapest price
€49
Average price
€97
Fastest journey
3 h 4 m
Average duration
3 h 17 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
227 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Ghent is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Ghent will cost around €97 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €49.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Ghent without transferring at least 2 times.
ICE 18 · IC 28316:52 AM3h27Cologne Hbf10:19 AMGhent St Pieters€491One-way1 transfer
26804 · ICE 18 · IC 28317:15 AM3h04Cologne Hbf10:19 AMGhent St Pieters€561One-way2 transfers
26800 · S41 · IC 5305:15 AM4h21Cologne Hbf9:36 AMGhent St Pieters€631One-way2 transfers
26801 · S8 · 20060 · IC 35203:49 AM5h43Cologne Hbf9:32 AMGhent St Pieters€801One-way6 transfers
ICE 316 · IC 28338:35 AM3h44Cologne Hbf12:19 PMGhent St Pieters€851One-way1 transfer
26804 · ICE 18 · IC 28317:15 AM3h04Cologne Hbf10:19 AMGhent St Pieters€561One-way2 transfers
S19 · 92044 · ICE 14 · IC 80092:58 PM3h17Cologne Hbf6:15 PMGhent St Pieters€1201One-way3 transfers
S19 · 91996 · ICE 314 · IC 283712:58 PM3h21Cologne Hbf4:19 PMGhent St Pieters€1201One-way3 transfers
S19 · 92024 · ICE 12 · IC 28414:58 PM3h21Cologne Hbf8:19 PMGhent St Pieters€861One-way3 transfers
S19 · 91990 · ICE 16 · IC 283510:58 AM3h21Cologne Hbf2:19 PMGhent St Pieters€1601One-way3 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Ghent
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Ghent among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 37m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €15, and a flight costs an average of €157.
Distance: 227 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€81 Average price | €25 Average price Cheapest | €522 Average price |
3h 7m Average total duration Fastest 2h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 58m Average total duration 4h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 30m Average total duration 5h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cologne to Ghent train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Ghent trains for today, Thursday, July 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S19 · 92044 · ICE 14 · IC 8009 | 2:58 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h17 | 6:15 PM Ghent St Pieters | 3 transfers | |
ICE 9496 · IC 2841 | On time 4:08 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h11 | 8:19 PM Ghent St Pieters | 1 transfer | |
S19 · 92024 · ICE 9496 · IC 2841 | 4:58 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h21 | 8:19 PM Ghent St Pieters | 3 transfers | |
| Friday, July 17 | |||||
26801 · S8 · 20060 · IC 3520 | 3:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h43 | 9:32 AM Ghent St Pieters | 6 transfers | |
26800 · S41 · IC 530 | 5:15 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h21 | 9:36 AM Ghent St Pieters | 2 transfers | |
ICE 18 · IC 2831 | On time 6:52 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h27 | 10:19 AM Ghent St Pieters | 1 transfer | |
26804 · ICE 18 · IC 2831 | 7:15 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h04 | 10:19 AM Ghent St Pieters | 2 transfers | |
ICE 316 · IC 2833 | On time 8:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h44 | 12:19 PM Ghent St Pieters | 1 transfer | |
S19 · 92008 · ICE 316 · IC 2833 | 8:58 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h21 | 12:19 PM Ghent St Pieters | 3 transfers | |
ICE 16 · IC 2835 | On time 10:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h44 | 2:19 PM Ghent St Pieters | 1 transfer | |
S19 · 91990 · ICE 16 · IC 2835 | 10:58 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h21 | 2:19 PM Ghent St Pieters | 3 transfers | |
S19 · 91996 · ICE 314 · IC 2837 | 12:58 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h21 | 4:19 PM Ghent St Pieters | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Ghent by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Why should you book Cologne to Ghent trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of Eurostar, Intercity or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Ghent.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Ghent.
Why book with Omio over Trainline, Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Eurostar, Intercity or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Ghent.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Ghent.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Ghent?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Ghent
Trains from Cologne to Ghent run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €41 but you can travel from only €15 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 227 km distance in 1h 56m.
Distance 227 km |
Average train duration 2h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price €41 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 1h 56m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 11:48 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 35 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, Intercity, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Ghent trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar, Intercity, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Ghent from €15. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Eurostar
Intercity
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Ghent
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Ghent by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Ghent, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Ghent
Most Cologne to Ghent trains use the Köln Hbf to Gent St Pieters station pair, with some services arriving at Bruxelles-Midi. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Ghent train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Cologne station do trains to Ghent leave from?
Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hbf train station facilities and services
Köln Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services
Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Getting to Köln-Ehrenfeld from Cologne city centre
Köln-Ehrenfeld is 3 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln-Ehrenfeld train station facilities and services
Köln-Ehrenfeld has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato, Burger King, Café Franck, Eichendorf
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln-Ehrenfeld. ATMs are available at Köln-Ehrenfeld.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln-Ehrenfeld. Information desks are available at Köln-Ehrenfeld.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln-Ehrenfeld. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln-Ehrenfeld: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln-Ehrenfeld: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln-Ehrenfeld.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Kölnotel, Black Hotels.
Which Ghent station do trains from Cologne arrive at?
Getting to Gent St Pieters from Ghent city centre
Gent St Pieters is 1 km from Ghent city centre. Public transport options include:
Gent St Pieters train station facilities and services
Gent St Pieters has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: De Graslei, Restaurant Patrick Foley's
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Gent St Pieters. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Gent St Pieters. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Gent St Pieters: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Gent St Pieters: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Gent St Pieters: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include NH Gent Sint Pieters, Hotel Carlton, Astoria Hotel Gent.
Getting to Gent-Dampoort from Ghent city centre
Gent-Dampoort is 1 km from Ghent city centre. Public transport options include:
Gent-Dampoort train station facilities and services
Gent-Dampoort has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: De Graslei, Amadeus Ghent 1
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Gent-Dampoort. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Gent-Dampoort. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Gent-Dampoort: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Gent-Dampoort: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Gent-Dampoort: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Adagio Access Gent Centrum Dampoort, Hotel Cathedral, Ibis Gent Centrum St-Baafs Kathedraal.
Getting to Wondelgem from Ghent city centre
Wondelgem is 4 km from Ghent city centre. Public transport options include:
Wondelgem train station facilities and services
Wondelgem has practical services for this route, including Dining, WC, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Wondelgem.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Wondelgem: WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Wondelgem: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Ghent
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